Manipulating Fate (Carousel Series #2)

Chapter 9: Santa Cruz, CA | 1987

"Boys!" David's voice echoed off the walls as he and Ruby descended into the belly of the cave's main room. Dwayne's head popped up from behind a book. "Meeting!"

"Nice kill Ruby! You took that girl down like a pro!" Paul appeared from behind the tool chest in the corner, clapping a hand on Ruby's shoulder. Ruby smiled weakly at Paul.

"Not now Paul." David flicked away the remains of his cigarette. "Where's Marko?"

"Up in their room." Dwayne rose from the couch and crossed to the circular fountain where the others were clustered.

"I'll get him." Paul offered.

"No. Ruby can tell him this, it'll come easier from her I'm sure." David folded his arms behind his back. "I've decided to take my rights as a sire and train Ruby, separately."

"Wha?" Paul blinked.

Dwayne raised a brow. "Are you sure of this, David?"

"It's my right."

"I'm missing something here." Paul crossed his arms over his chest. "What do you mean by 'rights', D?"

"It's something you never had to face, Paul." Dwayne was looking at David as he spoke. "When a vampire makes another, they have rights to the creation."

"I'm not a creation." Ruby glared.

"That's the traditional wording, Rube." Dwayne still didn't look from David, who was staring back at Dwayne.

"Back the bike up. We're technically your creations, Marko, and me right? Where is all this training for us?"

"You're not strictly childer, you're equals. Sired from both Dwayne and I, and sharing the blood that runs in Marko's veins as well."

"Co-siring. Pack mate creation." Dwayne added.

"Oh." Paul relaxed. "And Ruby's not."

"Nope." Dwayne finally looked away from David. Directly at Ruby. "She belongs solely to David."

"And that's what I mean by rights." David said coolly. "And as such, as much as all of us are her brothers, and lover in Marko's case, you are all interfering."

"Am not!" Paul protested.

"Paul, not now." Dwayne's voice was low. Paul shut up. "What do you mean to do, David?"

"The renter's are moving out in two days. The house will be empty. It's enough of a separation, yet we can all meet to hunt without having to travel. The rest of the evening I can devote to her studies."

"And you're going to just lock her in the house for the day?"

"No, I'm staying in the house with her."

Paul's jaw dropped. "Oh dude... Marko is so not going to go for that! That's practically shacking up with Ruby! After that little incident, that's totally stealing a taken woman!"

"PAUL!" Dwayne snarled. Paul snapped to attention. David did nothing, remained calm. He stepped to Paul, and although inches shorter, stared the Lost Boy down.

"I am not stealing from anyone. I am taking my rights as a sire and doing my job to train my childer properly. Speak anymore of this "stealing" and you will find yourself with one severe sunburn. Understood?"

"Yes David." Paul was squirming, wishing to escape the gaze of their leader. "I'm sorry."

"Good." David released his mental hold and stepped back. "We'll move in two nights' time. Objections?" The last part was directed towards Dwayne.